Cover Story

Biotechnology comprises several disciplines and sciences starting from molecular biology, and going into biochemistry, genetics, engineering, chemistry and medicine, among others. In essence, it means producing more with the same resources. But its definition is far from being anything short and limited. In fact, FAO supports its broad conception, as it appears in chapter 2 of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, pointing to this discipline as "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use".

Let's take this idea to the field of climate change, for example. Year after year, crop production levels tilt in response to a context that no longer follows regular weather patterns, often becoming uncontrollable and unpredictable. In this context, biotechnology seeks to favor the adaptation and resistance of species, enabling their development even when the conditions for their growth are no longer fulfilled.